STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The 49-year-old admitted using 'threatening or abusive words or behaviour' during his 'An Evening With Gazza' show last year

Paul Gascoigne, the former England footballer, has pleaded guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence over a 'joke' he made during a show.

The 49-year-old admitted using "threatening or abusive words or behaviour" during his 'An Evening With Gazza' show on November 30 last year.

He had previously denied the accusation, but changed his plea before the first witness was called to give evidence on Monday.

Following Gascoigne's guilty plea, district judge Graham Wilkinson said the former midfielder, who has played for Everton, Middlesbrough and Italian club Lazio, had admitted to "the sort of insidious racism" that needed to be challenged.

The judge said Gascoigne would face a financial penalty for the offence, details of which had yet to be announced in court.

Gascoigne retired from football in 2005.

Since his retirement Gascoigne has struggled with alcohol and has been in rehab several times.

(WION with inputs from AFP)

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The 49-year-old admitted using 'threatening or abusive words or behaviour' during his 'An Evening With Gazza' show last year